Fathering Thoughts

A look at heart disease care in India shows that heart patients tend to be younger with people as young as 35-40 dying of heart ailments. More than half of corporate India’s young staff suffers from a range of chronic and lifestyle problems. Employees working in the IT and IT-enabled services,media,knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) and financial services suffer from a range of chronic and lifestyle problems. In fact the rate of coronary heart disease among Indians – particularly in young men – is almost twice as high as their Western counterparts. Therefore,all working fathers must understand that heart disease is their No 1 health risk,says Kulkarni.

Modern life style has proven to be the stimulus for the growth of heart diseases among the youth. Improper food habits,lack of physical activity,high level of stress and increase in smoking and alcohol consumption are all classic risk factors which can put one high on the risk zone of coronary heart diseases. So,all these combined — less physical activities,less consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables,more consumption of deep-fried food — are leading to obesity. It raises blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels,and lowers HDL “good” cholesterol levels which tends to increase the blood pressure levels and raises the risk of heart disease.

All men should observe if there is any sudden discomfort or pain that does not go away with rest. It may be in the chest,neck,jaw,shoulder,arms or back,pain that may feel like burning,squeezing,heaviness,tightness or pressure. They should also monitor common health concerns like weight gain,body mass index and check blood pressure on a monthly basis.

Preventive health care is one of the best ways that fathers can protect their health now and in the future. Simple lifestyle modifications can go a long way in leading a hearty life. Eating a nutritious diet,exercising,quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight is a sure shot way to a balanced and a healthy life,he says.

Taking one’s father for morning walks for at least three-four hours a week to help avoid weight gain and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Playing tennis,badminton swimming,walking or cycling is a good way to keep fit.